Seeing Good Results: Eastland County

Seeing Good Results: Eastland County

It's been nearly a year since alcohol sales were permitted in all of three of four Eastland County towns. Since then, a number of business owners have opted to take advantage of their privilege to sell alcohol, boosting the towns' economy and catching the eye of other business chains.

In last year's election, all votes counted when it came down to approving alcohol sales in three Eastland County towns. Residents debated for years on whether Cisco, Eastland and Rising Star should go from 'dry' to 'wet', and with only two more 'in favor' votes than opposed, the idea was approved. Those who supported the move said it could potentially boost the revenue coming into each town and interest more businesses, mainly chain restaurants, to come set up shop. Another selling point, was that selling alcohol in the towns would cut down on residents driving far from home to consume alcohol and therefore, decrease drinking and driving cases.

Currently, a total of 21 businesses, including two Eastland restaurants, have licenses to sell certain types of alcohol. One of those restaurants is 'La Hacienda' Mexican Restaurant off East Interstate 20. It will hold its grand opening tomorrow. That'll include the opening of the restaurants full bar. One of the restaurant's owners says the decision to include a bar was spearheaded by the demand from customers following last year's election. While no restaurants in Cisco or Rising Star currently serve any type of alcohol, executive director of the Cisco Chamber of Commerce, Bridget Flores, says chain restaurants have shown interest in building in Cisco. That includes 'Stripes Convenience Stores'. It's desire to build a location off Interstate 20 in Cisco was one of the reasons the wet-dry decision was put on last year's ballot. Flores says 'Stripes' plans to start construction on a $3 million facility at the beginning of next year.

On the economic standpoint, Mayor James King of Cisco says his town has saw a great impact since last year's decision. He says there's been a steady increase in the town's sales tax revenue. In just 2013, King says it's gone up nearly 20%.

'La Hacienda' is located at 3800 East IH 20 in Eastland. For menu information or the restaurant hours, call 254-629-8998.

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